We have compiled our 2015 list of the 100+ people in the Missouri public policy process you need to know. A few changes have been made this year – media and legislative staff are not included, unless they were engaged as a campaign consultant as well.
By no means is this the complete list, and the names are in no particular order, but it would be a good start for someone beginning their career in Missouri politics of the people to get to know.
Also this year, instead of a website, we included each person’s twitter handle.
Lastly, thanks to our readers who helped us compile this year’s list – enjoy and please don’t hesitate to tell us who we missed at @MissouriTimes.
Part 2
Christine Tew | Director of Communications and Public Relations, Missouri Soybean Association
@TewChristine
Marketing the ag community has been done in a very traditional way for decades, but that is changing and the woman at the fore front of the developing social media, sports team partnerships, and motorsports is Christine Tew. She is adding a modern broad-based communication strategy while linking it to the political community. Other interest groups are now taking notice of what the Soybean Association is doing in hopes of copying it for themselves.
Chuck Hatfield | Partner, Stinson Leonard Street
@chuckhatfield
An attorney whose time at the highest levels of state government have made him very sought after as an attorney in private practice. There is probably no attorney who knows more members of the judiciary and the executive branch in the state. He is also known for his quick wit on social media and willingness to take on tough cases.
Crystal Brinkley | Executive Director, Missouri Democratic Party
@brinkleycrystal
In one of the more challenging jobs in the state, Brinkley has proven to be one of the rising stars on the Democratic side of Missouri politics. Having helped steer the party through some of the most challenging environments Democrats have seen in state history, she looks to be building the democratic base to not only elect a governor, but begin a turnaround in the legislature in 2016. Helping elect a democrat governor in 2016 will make Brinkley be one of the most sought after talents on this list.
Dan Mehan | President/CEO, Missouri Chamber of Commerce
@missourichamber
Mehan worked for years building up Missouri’s business lobby to now enjoy the success that stemmed from those efforts. Missouri business owners used to dream of a day when they could be on offense and the Missouri Chamber has been racking up legislative victories each session that make other state chambers green with envy. If there is a Republican governor in 2016, there is no telling what Mehan accomplishes.
David Jackson | Managing Partner, Gate Way Group
@MODavidMJackson
David Jackson is now in the conversation alongside the top lobbyists in the state, and he has done it in shorter time than anyone else. Jackson leads the Gate Way Group, which includes several talented lobbyists – and just added the former Pro Tem of the Senate in an move even more indicative of their status as an elite firm. Jackson and his team can be seen quietly working in the background of a range of major issues, and they play to win. Don’t look for any slowing down in the coming years, look for Jackson and the firm he heads to become a bigger player in surrounding states and the federal level as well.
Doug Smith | President & CEO, Missouri Auto Dealers Association
@MoAutoDealers
Smith is a long time veteran of MADA who is a key person to know and whose organization is full of some of the most influential and well known members in the state. Smith has become very adept at bringing the influence of his members in connection with legislative and communications strategies. Once someone works with Doug Smith once they have a likelihood to become an ally of his for life.
Heath Clarkston | Lobbyist, Gallagher Consultants
Clarkston is an old fashioned lobbyist who spent time learning from the top lobbyists in the pre-term limits era, and has the benefit of utilizing those lessons today for his clients. Clarkston has a wide array of clients, and is able to impact public policy in both chambers and on most any committee due to his vast knowledge of the legislative process and ability to convey even the most difficult issues in an effective manner. Clarkston has quietly built up a large number of some of the deepest relationships in the Capitol.
Jeff Roe | Owner, Axiom Strategies
@jeffroe
The bull in the woods of Missouri politics, Roe has built his career from turning over state legislative and senate seats into Republican hands in northwest Missouri to today running Senator Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign. Although his image has been softening in recent years, there is no one in Missouri who strikes more fear into the hearts of Missouri Democrats than Roe.
Jessica Pabst | Lobbyist, SSM Health Care
@jessicalpabst
She left a position with a lobbying firm after getting a front row seat learning how the Missouri public policy process works, and serving in the state senate. Pabst is now lobbying for SSM one of the fastest growing healthcare providers in the state. She is a lobbyist with perhaps a wider net of relationships than any other corporate lobbyist on our list and is an invaluable asset to SSM in the capitol.
Jorgen Schlemeier | Principal, Gamble & Schlemeier
@MOLobby
One of the premier lobbyists in the state, a fixture of the Capitol, and a named partner in one of the state’s largest firms, Gamble & Schlemeier has clients in nearly every industry in the state. His reach can be the difference in a race, and can make or break issues in the Capitol. Known for his meticulous approach, he is a top professional lobbyist.
Michelle Colbert | Proprietor, Michelle M. Colbert, LLC
@GOPLadyBug
Colbert is growing a reputation throughout Republican politics as a go-to consultant for conservative candidates. She has been in the thick of several races that are not only building her reputation for effectiveness, but broadening her already large list of contacts. Colbert is on the upswing and looks to be on next year’s list and several after that as well.
Rob Monsees | Vice President of State Legislation, Missouri Hospital Association
@robmonsees
Monsess has a long history in Republican political circles and has brought his lengthy Rolodex to the Missouri Hospital Association. While many are solely focused Medicaid, Monsees is building bridges with legislators and bringing home victories on other fronts. No interest group has grown in stature more in the last calendar year than the MHA with Monsess in such a turbulent time.
Tricia Workman | Principal, Gibbons Workman LLC
@ncwolters
Workman has a lengthy resume in lobbying working for a large independent firm as well as working inside of a large law firm. Now she owns her own firm alongside Mike Gibbons and they are one of the fastest growing firms in the state. She has a long list of clients, and recently proved very effective in a new political element of veto over rides.
